Karuizawa is a popular vacation area for its abundant nature, cool summers, distinct seasons, and close proximity from the Kanto area, including Tokyo. Autumn leaves start a month earlier in Karuizawa than in the Tokyo metropolitan area so autumn can be enjoyed a little bit before the city. At the Karuizawa Hoshino Area, different autumn-related experiences will be hosted for a relaxing and refreshing time in Karuizawa.
HOSHINOYA Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture is a mountainside resort. The history of Hoshino Resorts, the parent company, dates back to 1914 and the location where this property resides is the origin place of the company, which has now grown to a hotel management company with over 40 accommodations within and outside of Japan.
Hotel guests from Hoshino Resorts in Kaurizawa, as well as day visitors, can enjoy the Karuizawa Hoshino Area, which includes Tombo-no-yu (hot spring bathhouse), Sonmin-Shokudo (casual Japanese restaurant), KERA-IKE Ice Rink, and HARUNIRE Terrace with retails stores of local produce and products lined up. There are also nearby churches and three different hotels, all operated by Hoshino Resorts. The Karuizawa area of Hoshino Resorts is all committed to the protection of wildlife and nature through Picchio, as well as zero-emission efforts.
“Open-air Tea Ceremony in the Autumn Forest” – HOSHINOYA Karuizawa
In Japan, an open-air tea ceremony is known as nodate. It is a tradition where people enjoyed tea or matcha in the open air, especially during spring or autumn, when the weather conditions and temperature is perfect for such activity, reflecting the appreciation towards change in season and nature. At HOSHINOYA Karuizawa, guests can enjoy Kuromonji-cha, a type of green tea, whilst listening to the sounds of wild birds. Available only to a pair of guests per day, this open-air tea ceremony will be hosted at the wood deck so that a private, relaxing time can be experienced. Imagine tea time surrounded by the autumn forest and wild birds with Kuromonji-cha, green tea made from branches of Kuromonji, a tree in the camphor family, and Japanese confectionary.
Period: October 1 to November 15, 2021
Time: 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Price: 7,260 JPY per person (includes tax and service charge, excludes accommodation fee)
Others: Subject to cancellation in case of bad weather
“Autumn Library” – Public square in front of Tombo-no-Yu
The Autumn Library event is where reading and café time can be enjoyed under the autumn leaves. In a spacious area of 3000 meters square, there will be bookshelves with 500 books and café space to enjoy sweets and drinks, using local apples. Take a break from your busy everyday life or active travel schedule and spend an afternoon in the clear autumn air.
Period: October 8 to November 7, 2021
Time: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Entry fee: Free of charge
Others:
-Subject to cancellation in case of bad weather
-Price and open days vary with each activity
“Autumn KERA-IKE Ice Rink”
KERA-IKE Ice Rink, a natural skating rink, will open this season starting from October 15, 2021. The ice rink is a frozen pond adjacent to the Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary, where many wild birds and animals inhabit the area. The maple leaves in Karuizawa begin to change color in mid-October, and in early November, the yellow leaves of Japanese larch trees become characteristic. Enjoy the different colors of the forest and skating in nature-rich Karuizawa.
Autumn Period: October 15 – November 10, 2021
*Subject to change in case of conditions of autumn foliage
*For 2021-2022 Winter, the ice rink is open until March 6, 2022
*Closed on November 25, 2021 and January 18– January 20, 2022
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Price: Adults 1,900 JPY, Children (below elementary school) 1,300 JPY (includes tax and rental fee of skates)
Others: Subject to temporary closure in case of bad weather